Device for warning of excessive vehicle speed



Feb. 18, 1964 K. KELLEY ETAL 3,121,865

DEVICE'FOR WARNING 0F EXCESSIVE VEHICLE SPEED Filed Feb. 26, 1960 EIIE- 3 [III FLASHER United States Patent 3,121,865 DEVICE FOR WARNING OF EXCESSIVE VEHICLE SPEED Kork Kelley and Alleine Kelley, Sterling, Colo. (both of 1562 Milvia, Berkeley, Calif.) Filed Feb. 26, 1960, Ser. No. 11,361 3 Claims. (Cl. 340-264) This invention relates to a method and apparatus for signaling speed, and more particularly to signals operable to indicate that a predetermined speed has been exf to the problem. This involves the mounting of a light or other visual signaling device on the vehicle where not only the driver and passengers, but also persons outside the car can see it. The signal is controlled by the speed of the vehicle and becomes operative when the local speed limit is exceeded.

This has several good effects in inducing the driver to reduce his speed to the legal limits. Firstly, the signal is such that the driver instantly and continuously is aware that he is exceeding the speed limit, even though he fails to consult his speedometer and other instruments.

Secondly, the passengers in the vehicle are at all itmes conscious of the excessive speed and will often remonstrate with the driver in an attempt to make him slow down.

Thirdly, the driver knows he is signaling to any traffic oflicer in the vicinity that he is speeding. The visual signal can be important evidentiary help to the otficer in obtaining convictions. Knowing this, the driver will be reluctant to take a chance on speeding.

Fourthly, and perhaps the greatest inducement to the driver, he will be advertising to all the world that he is a 'lawbreaker and potential cause of death and destruction. Psychologically, the fear of censure by his fellows is often a deterrent of great strength.

In order to be effective, the present device would have the sanction of the law, with heavy penalties for removing or tampering with the apparatus. Full and effective use of the device will go far in reducing death and mutilation from traffic accidents.

Further protection against the element of the populace which continually attempts to evade the law may be had ,by armoring the system and making it as nearly tamperproof as possible, it being kept in mind that, while any device may be tampered With, by its very nature it may inform the inspector that such tampering has been accomplished.

It is therefore a principal object of the present invention to provide a method and means for visually signaling that a vehicle is exceeding designated speed both to the driver and to other persons within or without the vehicle.

Another object of the invention is to provide a signaling device of the character described in which the signal Patented Feb. 18, 1964 "ice light will flash throughout a specific speed range and will glow continuously when such range is exceeded.

A further object of the invention is to provide a signaling device which may be easily and conveniently set to different speed ranges, but which will be difiicult to tamper with successfully.

A still further object of the invention is the provision, in a signaling device of the character described, of a speedresponsive control unit positionable between the transmission speedometer drive shaft and the speedometer cable, so as to avoid any necessity for structural modifications.

Further objects and advantages of our invention will be apparent as the specification proceeds, and the new and useful features of the same will be fully defined in the claims. attached hereto.

The preferred form of our invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawing, forming part of this application, in which:

FIGURE 1 shows a diagrammatic side elevational representation ofan automobile having the speed signaling device of the present invention operatively mounted thereon;

FIGURE 2, a diagrammatic plan view of the chassis of the automobile of FIGURE 1;

FIGURE 3, a side elevational view on an enlarged scale of a controlunit forming part of the device of FIGURE 1, portions of the cover being broken away to reveal the interior structure; and

FIGURE 4, a circuit diagram illustrating the operative relationship of the electrical components of the device.

While we have shown only the preferred form of our invention, it should be understood that various changes or modifications may be made within the scope of the claims hereto attached, without departing from the spirit of the invention.

Referring to the drawing in detail, it will be seen that our speed limit warning and signaling system includes an electric light 11 adapted for mounting upon a vehicle 10 in position to be visible to the driver and to persons outside the vehicle; an electrical circuit 12 for connecting the light 11 to a source 13 of electrical energy and including a switch means 14; and control means 16 responsive to the speed of the vehicle for closing the switch means and energizing the light when the speed of the vehicle exceeds a predetermined rate.

The light 11 may be mounted in any suitable place, preferably on the exterior of the car, where it will be visible to the driver and to other motorists on or near the highway. A plurality of lights may be used, if desired, but we have found that a single light placed on a post 17 positioned on the front left fender will be suitable for most purposes.

The light should be such that it is visible both night and day and from aconsiderable distance. T o avoid con fusion with other light, and to obtain maximum visibility, we preferthat the light be colored blue. A lens type globe which projects a beam may be used, or a plain globe which is sufficiently bright.

The control means 16 may be operated from any suitable moving part of the vehicle, but preferably, and as here shown, is driven by the means 18 normally provided for driving the speedometer 19 usually found on an automotive vehicle. The speedometer drive generally is located in the vehicle transmission and includes a stub shaft 21 protruding therefrom, the speedometer cable 22 normally being connected to the stub shaft 21.

In accordance with the present invention, the control unit 16 may conveniently be mounted on the stub shaft 21 and the speedometer cable 22 attached to the other side of the unit 16. In this manner, the unit may be mounted in an out of the way place and no structural modifications I shaft 24, and a spool-type collar 28 journaled for axial reciprocation on shaft 24. Collar 27 and spool 23 are connected by a plurality of elongated spring members 29 which have weights 31 attached to their medial portions. Rotation of the shaft 24 causes the weights 31 to move away from the shaft in proportion to the speed of rotation. This movement shortens the effective. span of the members 2? and pulls the spool 28 along the shaft toward the collar 27.

a A radial flange 32 is provided on spool 28, and movement of this flange displaces the distal end of an element 33 mounted on a rocker shaft 34 journaled in the housing 23. This causes the shaft 34 to rotate and swing an arm 36 attached thereto toward and away from the switch means 14 in direct response to the speed of the vehicle.

The arm 36 is electrically connected, by lead 37, to the vehicle battery 13 and acts as one switch element of the switch means 14. The remainder of the switch means includes a pair of spring metal arms 38 and 39 mounted in parallel spaced relation in the housing 23.

As the arm 36 moves under the influence of increasing vehicle speed, it eventually contacts arm 38. This completes a circuit to the light 11 through a lead 41 which contains a conventional flasher 42 of the type commonly employed in blinking directional signals. This causes the light 11 to blink continuously as the speed increases.

When the vehicle speed increases sufficiently, the arm 36 will have displaced the arm 38 toward arm 39 sufficiently to make contact with the latter. This will complete a circuit through a direct lead 43 connecting arm39 and light 11. Because of less resistance in lead 43 than in flasher 42,the light 11 willburn continuously so long as arm 38 contacts arm 39. It should be noted that the transition from flashing to steady light takes place smoothly and without any off period of the light during which no excessive speed signal would be given.

Adjustment of our device to the local speed limit is provided by a spring 44 connecting an arm 46, fixed to rocker shaft 34, and an adjusting screw 47 mounted through a boss attached to the housing 23. Rotation of screw 47 will vary the tension on spring 44 and accordingly will change the amount of axial force which the governor 26 will have to exert to move arm 36 into contact with arm 38.

Ann 36 is insulated from the housing and any other grounded components by any suitable conventional insulating means such as plastic mountings. A typical manner of eifecting this insulation is achieved by making blocks 35 and 48 of plastic and providing a rubber contact 49 on arm 33.

Thus, in a State where the speed limit is sixty-five miles per hour, the screw 47 may be rotated to cause the light to begin flashing at sixty-seven or sixty-eight miles per hour. Higher or lower speed limits may be set for by simply rotating the screw 47.

In the control device illustrated in the drawing, the light will begin to flash at about sixty-seven miles per hour andthe arm 33 will contact arm 39 and cause the light to glow steadily at about eighty miles per hour. The range of speed during which the light will flash may be adjusted by inserting or removing insulation shims 48 between the arms 38 and 39.

To make the device more tamper-proof, suitable flexible armor 49 may be provided around the leads 41 and 43, and the housing may be furnished with suitable seals 51.

From the foregoing it will be apparent that we have invented a novel method and apparatus for preventing accidents by signaling to the driver, and to others in the vicinity that the vehicle is traveling at excessive speeds.

We claim:

1. In a speed limit warning and signaling system for automotive vehicles, a control unit comprising a housing, a shaft journaled in said housing and having opposite ends projecting therefrom for connection to a vehicle speedometer drive and to a speedometer cable, a fly-ball governor secured to said shaft for rotation therewith and having a flange movable along said shaft in accordance with the speed of rotation thereof, an element held against said flange by means of a spring, means for varying the tension on said spring so as to regulate the speed of shaft rotation required to effect a fixed movement of said flange and element held thereagainst, a contact arm in attachment with said element whereby movement of the element by said flange causesproportional movement of said contact arm, said contact arm being connected to a source of electrical energy which provides an electrical potential with respect to ground, a pair of spring metal switch arms mounted in parallel spaced relation in said housing with the ends thereof projecting within the path of movement of said contact arm caused by movement of the element in attachment therewith, and a signal light having one side connected to ground, one of said spring metal switch arms being electrically connected to the other side of said signal light through a flasher and the other of said spring metal switch arms being connected directly to said other side of the signal light whereby a predetermined movement of said contact arm operatively completes the flasher circuit through a first one of said pair of spring metal switch arms and further movement of said contact arm connects said pair of spring metal switch arms to shunt the flasher and to operatively complete the directly connected light circuit.

2. In a speed limit warning and signaling system for automotive vehicles including an electric signal light.

mounted upon the vehicle in position to be visible to the driver and to persons outside the vehicle, comprising a housing, a shaft journaled in said housing and having opposite ends projecting therefrom for connection to a vehicle speedometer drive and to a speedometer cable, a fly-ball governor secured to said shaft for rotation therewith and having a flange movable along said shaft in accordance with the speed of rotationthereof, an element held against said flange by means of a spring, means for varying the tension on said spring so as to regulate the speed of shaft rotation required to elfect a fixed movement or said flange and element held thereagainst, a contact arm in attachment with said element whereby movement of the element by said flange causes proportional movement of said contact arm, said contact arm being connected to a source of electrical energy whichprovides an electrical potential with respect to ground, a signal light having one side connected to ground, and a pair of spring metal switch arms mounted in parallel spaced relation in said housing with the ends thereof projecting within the path of movement of said contact arm caused by movement of the element in attachnienttherewith, said pair of spring metal switch arms being held in adjustable spaced parallel relation by a plurality of insulating shims which are adjustable in thickness whereby the differential speed of shaft rotation necessary to cause movement of the contact arm from contacting position on one of said switch arms to the position effecting contact of said switch arms with each other is adjustable, the first contacted of said switch arms being connected to the other side of the signal light through a flasher and the last contacted of said switch armsbeingdirectly connected to the other side of the light in by-pass relation to the flasher whereby References Cited in the file of this patent a predetermined movement 0t sai d contact arm opera- UNITED STATES PATENTS tively completes the flasher circuit through a first one of said pair of spring metal switch arms and further 1,199538 Klmpflm P 26, 1916 movement of said contact arm connects said pair of spring 5 1,409,339 1922 metal switch arms to shunt the flasher and to operatively 1,723,222 watlens 1929 complete the directly connected light circuit. 2,030,246 Davls 1936 3. The speed limit warning and signaling system de- 23281841 Moore et a1 Aug 1938 fined in claim 2, in which the means for varying the ten- 2,234,309 Kromholz M313 1941 sion in the spring and the insulating shims are carried in 10 2,250,537 Larson July 291 1941 a tamper-proof housing. 2,5 3,877 Stein Mar. 6, 1951 

1. IN A SPEED LIMIT WARNING AND SIGNALING SYSTEM FOR AUTOMOTIVE VEHICLES, A CONTROL UNIT COMPRISING A HOUSING, A SHAFT JOURNALED IN SAID HOUSING AND HAVING OPPOSITE ENDS PROJECTING THEREFROM FOR CONNECTION TO A VEHICLE SPEEDOMETER DRIVE AND TO A SPEEDOMETER CABLE, A FLY-BALL GOVERNOR SECURED TO SAID SHAFT FOR ROTATION THEREWITH AND HAVING A FLANGE MOVABLE ALONG SAID SHAFT IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE SPEED OF ROTATION THEREOF, AN ELEMENT HELD AGAINST SAID FLANGE BY MEANS OF A SPRING, MEANS FOR VARYING THE TENSION ON SAID SPRING SO AS TO REGULATE THE SPEED OF SHAFT ROTATION REQUIRED TO EFFECT A FIXED MOVEMENT OF SAID FLANGE AND ELEMENT HELD THEREAGAINST, A CONTACT ARM IN ATTACHMENT WITH SAID ELEMENT WHEREBY MOVEMENT OF THE ELEMENT BY SAID FLANGE CAUSES PROPORTIONAL MOVEMENT OF SAID CONTACT ARM, SAID CONTACT ARM BEING CONNECTED TO A SOURCE OF ELECTRICAL ENERGY WHICH PROVIDES AN ELECTRICAL POTENTIAL WITH RESPECT TO GROUND, A PAIR OF SPRING METAL SWITCH ARMS MOUNTED IN PARALLEL SPACED RELATION IN SAID HOUSING WITH THE ENDS THEREOF PROJECTING WITHIN THE PATH OF MOVEMENT OF SAID CONTACT ARM CAUSED BY MOVEMENT OF THE ELEMENT IN ATTACHMENT THEREWITH, AND A SIGNAL LIGHT HAVING ONE SIDE CONNECTED TO GROUND, ONE OF SAID SPRING METAL SWITCH ARMS BEING ELECTRICALLY CONNECTED TO THE OTHER SIDE OF SAID SIGNAL LIGHT THROUGH A FLASHER AND THE OTHER OF SAID SPRING METAL SWITCH ARMS BEING CONNECTED DIRECTLY TO SAID OTHER SIDE OF THE SIGNAL LIGHT WHEREBY A PREDETERMINED MOVEMENT OF SAID CONTACT ARM OPERATIVELY COMPLETES THE FLASHER CIRCUIT THROUGH A FIRST ONE OF SAID PAIR OF SPRING METAL SWITCH ARMS AND FURTHER MOVEMENT OF SAID CONTACT ARM CONNECTS SAID PAIR OF SPRING METAL SWITCH ARMS TO SHUNT THE FLASHER AND TO OPERATIVELY COMPLETE THE DIRECTLY CONNECTED LIGHT CIRCUIT. 